Chris Christie: Andrew Cuomo story ‘wrong’

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie pushed back against reports that he called New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo to complain about a Port Authority official for digging too much into a controversial lane closing, while also announcing a second resignation following the flap.

“The story is categorically wrong. I did not have that conversation with Gov. Cuomo in any way, shape or form and Gov. Cuomo didn’t have it with me,” Christie said during a press conference Friday.

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Chris Christie on 2016

The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday that Christie called Cuomo this week to complain about the executive director of Port Authority, a Cuomo appointee. The paper reported Christie told Cuomo the official was wading too far into the escalating issue of a September lane closure that reduced lanes in Fort Lee, N.J. to the George Washington Bridge from three to one.

Asked whether they spoke about the lanes issue on Thursday, Christie said won’t get into specifics about his conversations with the New York governor.

In what has been a growing headache for the New Jersey governor, Christie also announced a second Port Authority appointee will resign, Deputy Executive Director Bill Baroni, effective immediately. David Wildstein, another Port Authority official appointed by Christie, announced his resignation last week.

Democrats have been calling for Baroni’s resignation. However, Christie said he already made the decision to replace Baroni and told reporters not to connect the two.

“He offered his resignation now and I accepted it because I thought it was the appropriate thing to do given all of the distraction that’s going on,” Christie said.

Christie acknowledged that a mistake was made in the handling of the traffic study and proper protocol was not followed.

“[Baroni]’s the lead person for New Jersey at the Port and he’s the one who approved it at Mr. Wildstein’s request,” Christie said.

Regarding the political accusations from Democrats, Christie said they have been created and manufactured. When asked about that claims that the closures were ordered for political retribution, Christie said “absolutely, unequivocally not.” He took a swipe at the DNC, identifying them among others who will always point fingers at him.

The DNC released a two-minute web video Friday continuing their criticism of Christie over the controversy.